Western Kansas world., 1887-12-10

that purpose he discovers that he ie
obliged not only to return, in the way Of in
creased prices, his tarif profit on the wool
he sold, and which then perhaps lies before
add considerable sum thereto to meet q
further increase in cost caused by tariff
duty on the manufacture. Thus in the end
he is aroused to the fact that he has paid
upon moderate purchase as a result of the
tariff scheme which, when he sold his wool,
seemed so profitable an increase in price
more than sufficient to sweep away all the
tariff profit he received upon the wool he
produced and sold. When the number of
farmers engaged in wool raising is compared
with all the farmers in the country and the
small proportion they bear to our popula-
ton is considered, then it is made apparent
that in the case of a large part of those who
own sheep the benefto of the present tariff on
wool is illusory and above all when 1t must
be conceded that the increase OF the cost OF
living caused by such tariff becomes bur-
den upon those with moderate means and
the poor, the employed and unemployed, the
sick and well, and the young and old, and
that it constitutes tax which, with relent-
less grasp, is fastened upon the clothing of
every man, woman and child in the land.
Reasons are suggested why removal or re-
juction of this duty should be included in q
revision of our tariff laws.
THE GROWTH or sTRusT3"
Inspeaking Of the increased cost to the con
sumner of our home manufactures, resulting
from the duty laid upon imported articles OF
the same description the fact is not overlooked
that competitor among our domestic pro-
ducers sometimes has the effect of keeping
the price of their products below the highest
limit allowed by such duty. But it il noto
rious that this competition is too often
strangled by combinations quite prevalent
at this time and frequently called 'strusts,
which have for their object the regulation OF
the supply and price of commodities made
and sold by members of the combination.
The people can hardly hope for any consid
Grafton in the operation of these selfish
schemes. If, however, in the absence OF
such combination healthy and free compe
tition reduces tho price of any particular du-
table article of homo production below the
limit which it might otherwise reach under
our tariff laws, and if with such reduced
price its manufacture continues TO thrive 1t
is entirely evident that one thing has been
discovered which should be carefully scruti-
nized in an effort to reduce taxation. The
necessity of combination to maintain the
price of any commodity to tariff point furn-
ishes proof that some one is willing to &C
cept lower prices for such commodity and
that such prices are remuneratve and lower
prices prOQucoO Dy cOmp0utlO0 prove Tue
same thing. Thus where either Of these con-
ditions exist case would seem to be pre-
sented for an easy reduction of taxation.
AN APPEAL TO MANUFACTURERS.
The considerations which have been pre-
sented touching our tariff laws are intended
only to enforce an earnest recommendation
that the surplus revenues of the government
be prevented by the reduction of our custom
duties and at the same time to emphasize q
suggestion that in accomplishing this pur-
pose we may discharge double duty to our
people by granting to them measure Of
relief from tariff taxation in quarters
where it is most needed and from sources
which it can be most fairly and justly accord
ed. Nor can the presentation made of such
considerations be with any degree of fairness
regarded as evidence of unfriendliness to-
ward our manufacturing interests or of any
lack of appreciation of their value and inn
portance. These interests constitute lead
ing and most substantial element Of our
national greatness and furnish the proud
proof of our country's progress. But
In the emergency that presses
rs on. our manufacturers are asked to sur